Allergic Living’s 2024 sunscreens guide is chock full of sun protectors that fit the bill for consumers with food allergies and sensitive skin.
Get first-rate defense against harmful rays with our selection of lotions, sprays, creams and balms. But at the same time, also avoid your or your child’s food allergens and keep sensitive skin calm.
By contacting manufacturers and fact-checking ingredients, we’ve narrowed down the seemingly endless array of sunscreens to the following top contenders. Products in our guide are free of many top allergens.
Their mild formulas are also designed to soothe. In the interests of keeping skin happy, we’ve omitted options with harsh chemicals, fragrances and preservatives. See ‘About Our List’ at the end, with allergen information about coconut and shea butter.
Find a formula to suit sunseekers of every age, then head outdoors. With the best sunscreens at hand, you and your family and more will be ready to soak up every minute of summer, worry-free.
Note: Ingredient information on all items has been fact-checked with manufacturers. But always read labels to make sure ingredients have not changed.
Alba Botanica: Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion, SPF 50
Made with your skin’s, and the planet’s, health in mind, this biodegradable sunscreen relies on nature’s top ingredients to keep you safe. Niacinamide, plant-based squalane and vitamin E calm and smooth, while zinc oxide creates a barrier to the sun’s rays for up to 80 minutes. Gentle, lightweight and free of synthetic fragrances, it’s a smart choice, even for reactive skin.
Free of: Top 9 allergens
Note: Product not tested for potential gluten traces.
U.S., shop at Amazon.com, Walmart.com and Walgreens.com
Canada, shop at Ca.iherb.com
All Good: Mineral Sport Sunscreen, SPF 30
This sunscreen ticks all the right boxes. It’s easy to rub in, non-greasy, hydrating and offers broad-spectrum, water-resistant protection for up to 80 minutes. Need to know more? It’s made with plant-based ingredients – and no chemical additives. (FYI, All Good confirms the arachidyl alcohol in the product is not derived from peanut.) This affordable lotion is as good for the planet as it is for your skin.
Free of: peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, sesame and gluten
Does Contain: coconut, shea and sunflower
Note: Apart from coconut and shea, product does not contain tree nuts (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Allgoodbodycare.com and Target.com
Canada, shop at Well.ca and Healthyplanet.ca
Aloe Up: Mineral Kids Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50
Few things spark tedium quite like the thought of smearing bouncy kids with sunscreen. Switch to this lightweight, alcohol-free mist, and change this summer’s outlook! Quick-drying and non-greasy, this aloe- and mineral-based formula will have every ear, nose, toe and knee protected and soothed for up to 80, water-resistant minutes.
Free of: Top 9 allergens plus gluten
U.S., shop at Aloeup.com and Amazon.com
Attitude: Sunly Kids Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
Ideal for travel – to playgrounds, the beach, or just the backyard – this plastic-free stick is free of fragrance and great for sensitive skin. Made with non-nano zinc oxide, this formula safeguards hard-to-reach spots against UVA and UVB rays with every swipe.
Free of: peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, sesame and gluten
Does Contain: sunflower, coconut and shea
Note: Apart from coconut and shea, product does not contain tree nuts (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Attitudeliving.com and Amazon.com
Canada, shop at Attitudeliving.com and Well.ca
Badger: Kids Mineral Sunscreen Cream, SPF 40
In stark contrast to the laundry list of ingredients found in most sunscreens, this kid-friendly formula contains just nine essentials. From beeswax and tangerine oil to mineral zinc oxide, each plays an important role – whether moisturizing delicate skin, delicately perfuming or providing serious protection. Powerful against UVA and UVB rays, this lotion is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Free of: Top 9 allergens plus gluten
Does Contain: sunflower oil
Note: All sunscreens produced on dedicated lines, free of Top 9 allergens
U.S., shop at Badgerbalm.com and Walmart.com
Canada, shop at Ca.iherb.com
Bare Republic: Adventure-Proof Mineral Face Sunscreen, SPF 70
With a super-light, sheer finish that belies its serious SPF power, this mineral sunscreen lotion is an ideal daily companion. Grape, raspberry and carrot seed oils hydrate skin, while titanium dioxide and non-nano zinc oxide do the heavy lifting in this lightly scented option.
Free of: peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, sesame and gluten
Does Contain: coconut and shea
Note: Apart from coconut and shea, product does not contain tree nuts (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Gobareoutside.com and Walmart.com
Black Girl Sunscreen, SPF 30
Formulated specifically for darker skin tones, this ultra-sheer sunscreen dries completely clear while fighting aging, hyperpigmentation and fine lines. The Top 9-free formula contains jojoba and avocado, to keep skin smooth, and antioxidants, to defend against free radicals.
Free of: Top 9 allergens plus gluten
Does Contain: sunflower oil
U.S., shop at Blackgirlsunscreen.com and Beautylish.com
Canada, shop at Blackgirlsunscreen.com and Formulafig.com
Blue Lizard: Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30+
Formulated to nourish and protect, this lightweight, fragrance-free lotion is a boon to sunseekers with sensitive skin. Made with mineral filters (both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) that sit on top of the skin. This sunscreen also counts on hyaluronic acid, green tea and caffeine to protect and hydrate.
Free of: peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, sesame and gluten
Does Contain: an ingredient derived from coconut oil
Note: Apart from coconut, product does not contain tree nuts (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Bluelizardsunscreen.com
Canada, shop at Well.ca and Amazon.ca
California Baby: Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30+
For newborns, tots, teens and adults with super-sensitive skin, reach for this irritant- and fragrance-free formula. Allergy-tested and made in a dedicated facility, this Top-9-free sunscreen counts on non-nano titanium dioxide for its broad-spectrum coverage. Easy to apply and portable, this stick also simplifies slathering every nook and cranny in serious sun protection.
Free of: peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, sesame and gluten
Does Contain: coconut oil derivative
Note: Apart from coconut, product does not contain tree nuts (see note at end). Sunscreens manufactured on dedicated lines, free of Top 9 allergens.
U.S., shop at Californiababy.com
Canada, shop at Californiababy.com and Nonutsaboutus.ca
Coola: Mineral Body Sunscreen, SPF 50
Fight the sun’s penetrating rays, and free radicals, with this powerhouse sunscreen packed with mineral actives and an impressive assortment of antioxidant-rich nutrients. For skin that’s smooth and hydrated, protected and calm as can be, this fragrance-free, lightweight formula delivers.
Free of: peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, sesame and gluten
Does Contain: coconut and shea
Note: Apart from coconut and shea, product does not contain tree nuts (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Coola.com and Ulta.com
Canada, shop at Beautyritual.ca
CōTZ: Face Prime and Protect, SPF 40
A sheer mineral sunscreen that doubles as a primer, this non-tinted lotion can be used alone or under makeup. Silky with a matte finish, this translucent cream provides broad-spectrum protection and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Free of: Top 9 allergens plus gluten
U.S., shop at Cotzskincare.com and Amazon.com
Earth Mama Organics: Uber-Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 40
This broad-spectrum, mineral-based sunscreen boasts the certification seal of the National Eczema Association, thanks to its suitability for reactive skin. It’s also dermatologist-tested. Made with zinc oxide, and free of irritating chemicals, this lotion is safe for the entire family, and water-resistant, for up to 40 minutes.
Free of: peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, sesame and gluten
Does Contain: coconut, shea and colloidal oatmeal
Note: Apart from coconut and shea, product does not contain tree nuts (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Earthmamaorganics.com and Amazon.com
Canada, shop at Earthmama.globe/en-ca
KINeSYS: Fragrance-Free Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30
Available in full-sized and travel-sized bottles, this sunscreen is convenient for use at home, or when on the road. Quick-drying and non-greasy, the formula is free of the Top 9 allergens, parabens, PABA and preservatives. Originally created as a high-performing sunscreen for elite athletes. But it’s also perfect for those seeking allergy safety as they chase the kids around the beach.
Free of: Top 9 allergens plus gluten
U.S., shop at Kinesysactive.com and Amazon.com
Canada, shop at Kinesysactive.ca and Amazon.ca
Neutrogena: Sport Active Defense, SPF 70
Tackle any outdoor activity with the peace of mind that Neutrogena Sport Body Spray Sunscreen delivers. Designed to resist water and sweat for up to 80 minutes, this silky, easy-to-apply formula also soothes skin with vitamins E and C.
Free of: Top 9 allergens plus gluten
U.S., shop at Amazon.com and Target.com
Stream2Sea: Every Day Mineral Sunscreen 4 Kids, SPF45
If your kids spend more time in the water than on land, this company’s WetBoost™ technology is your key to a peaceful summer. Formulated to perform better when wet, this sheer mineral sunscreen is made with antioxidants plus soothing chamomile and calendula to pamper delicate skin. Safe for fresh and salt water, this biodegradable lotion is free of silicone, preservatives, parabens, phthalates, and a host of other alarming ingredients.
Free of: peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, sesame and gluten
Does Contain: coconut oil
Note: Apart from coconut, product does not contain tree nuts (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Stream2Sea.com and Iherb.com
Canada, shop at Ca.iherb.com
Sun Bum: Baby Bum Mineral Roll-On Sunscreen, SPF 50
Take the mess out of on-the-go applications, with this light, roll-on lotion made with tender skin in mind. Fragrance-free, and made without dyes, parabens, or chemical sunscreens, this non-nano zinc oxide option makes sun safety as easy as roll on, and rub in!
Free of: Top 9 allergens plus gluten
Does Contain: coconut derivative
Note: Apart from coconut, product does not contain tree nuts (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Sunbum.com and Amazon.com
Canada, shop at Healthyplanetcanaca.com and Well.ca
Suntegrity: Unscented Mineral Body Sunscreen, SPF 30
With this non-greasy, fragrance-free lotion on hand, you’ll be spending more time out of doors than in this summer! Packed with skin-loving ingredients, like cucumber, green tea and pomegranate, each drop is also bolstered with 20% non-nano zinc oxide. This sunscreen is also free of parabens, synthetic dyes and chemical UV absorbers. A great choice year-round, this is an essential come sunny days.
Free of: peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, sesame and gluten
Does Contain: coconut derivative and sunflower seed oil
Note: Apart from coconut, product does not contain tree nuts (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Suntegritysuncare.com
Canada, shop at Suntegritysuncare.com and Naturaldermstore.ca
Thrive: Bodyshield Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50
A mineral sunscreen that won’t leave you looking like Casper the Friendly Ghost, this one is also lightweight and non-greasy. Although not safe for those with nut allergies, this broad-spectrum option is free of other top allergens. Beyond aesthetics, this cream is crammed with antioxidants, is gentle on skin, features recyclable packaging, and was made using regenerative farming practices. Is it also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes? You bet.
Free of: peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, sesame and gluten
Does Contain: macadamia derivative, coconut derivative
Note: Sunscreen contains tree nut derivatives.
U.S., shop at Thrivecare.co and Amazon.com
TiZO: Ultra Zinc Mineral Sunscreen For Body & Face, SPF 40
With a name derived from titanium zinc oxide, it’s no surprise that this company creates mineral-based sunscreens formulated for all skin types and tones. Light and soothing, with no dreaded white cast, this antioxidant-rich lotion dries clear, and leaves skin feeling protected and nourished.
Free of: Top 9 allergens plus gluten
U.S., shop at Tizoskin.com and Lovelyskin.com
Canada, shop at Beautysense.ca
About Our List
These product reviews are based on information supplied by manufacturers who have been asked directly about food allergen control processes and the use of fragrance or irritants. If you or your child are currently experiencing eczema flares, speak to your allergist or dermatologist for ingredients advice before applying any sunscreen.
Note on Coconut and Shea Butter: Coconut is technically a fruit, not a nut. If you are nut-allergic, ask your doctor if coconut is safe for you. Read more about coconut here. A study has found shea butter unlikely to trigger nut reactions. Speak to your own doctor if you have nut allergies, and read more here.
